NELSON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue VI, 9 February 1901, Page 274

NELSON.

Dear Bee, — January 28. I know you will not expect a letter of gaieties and pleasures this week, for the gloom and sorrow that was cast over the world on Wednesday by the news of our beloved Queen’s death, is felt here in our small city as it is with you also. Such a loss as this is felt by everyone, and even the most light-hearted of us cannot talk or think of amusement of any sort for a while. Gay colours seem to have vanished from our streets, and almost universally the costumes are semi-mourning. Many of our shops are draped, also the Post Office and Council Chambers, while all flags are hung half-mast. On Thursday all business was suspended, and the day was observed in every respect as a day of mourning, a solemn service being held in the evening at the Cathedral. On Sunday memorial services were held in all the churches. Most of them were appropriately draped and decorated with wreaths and crosses of white flowers. In the afternoon an open-air service was held in the Botanical Gardens, at which 4000 persons took part. The volunteer forces, under Captain Wolfe, 0.C.D., the Fire Brigade, various Friendly Societies, Salvation Army and police force all took part. The “Garrison Band” played the “Dead March” in Saul, and accompanied the hymns. Brief addresses and prayers were contributed by Revs. J. P.. Kempthorne and J. F. Snee (Anglican Church), J. H. Mackenzie (Presbyterian Church), J. S. Smalley (Wesleyan Church), Very Rev. Dean Mahoney (Roman' Catholic Chureh), Mr. W. T. Chapman (Church of Christ), and Adjutant Ward (Salvation Army). The long-looked-for Charles Arnold Comedy Company opened their season at the Theatre Royal on the 25th with “What Happened to Jones,” to a large and appreciative audience. But I will give you a full account next week of these gaieties.

PHYLLIS.